Plan for Shropshire fire chiefs to boost spending limit

Currently, spending over £50,000 needs to be signed off by the Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority, but a report recommends raising that threshold to £100,000.

In a report, fire chiefs point out that the neighbouring Hereford and Worcester brigade already has the higher level, and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service’s lower threshold means "operational decisions are delayed” while they wait for the 17-member panel to convene and give the green light.

A report from chief fire officer (CFO) Rod Hammerton and assistant CFO Dave Myers said: “Currently, virement authorisations are set at £50,000 before requiring full Fire Authority approval, which, as market costs and expenses increase, means more often operational decisions are delayed waiting for sign-off.

“Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, for example have a threshold of £100,000. This level is set on the assumption that any spending above the threshold might reasonably require redistribution of funds from other areas of spend or a change to a strategic objective. This would then be a policy decision that required authority approval.”

They add that the change would cut out “unnecessary recourse to the authority” and “bring SFRS closer to HWFRS in terms of financial policy”.

The two services are already co-operate over fire control, risk management planning and ICT, having entered into a “strategic fire alliance” in March 2018.

“Clearly such a change would require tighter audit and management controls, such as strengthened business cases to the service management aeam and sign-off with the Treasurer for those over £50,000," the report said.

Elsewhere in their report they recommend reducing the size of the fire authority – which consists of elected members from Shropshire Council and Telford and Wrekin Council – from 17 to 15, a move that would save an estimated £5,700 or more in allowances annually.

They also recommend reducing the number of sub-committees from three to two to reduce “duplication of effort”, but giving them increased decision-making power.

“Delegating more authority to committee level will provide the committees with the ability to sign off decisions and ensure there are checks and balances in place to review the effectiveness of those decisions,” the report added.

The Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority will discuss the officers’ report when it meets at the brigade’s Shrewsbury headquarters tonight.